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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe back issues during the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance for Greece at the team event, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team captained by Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal for 2026 is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."